---
title: Use the SystemDirectory component
description: Retrieve the path to the system directory as part of an automation Workflow by using the SystemDirectory component in RPA Desktop Design Studio.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/integrate-applications/use-environment-sysdir.html
release: australia
topic_type: task
last_updated: "2026-03-12"
reading_time_minutes: 1
breadcrumb: [Environment, Utilities, Automation components, RPA Desktop Design Studio, Robotic Process Automation \(RPA\) Hub, Workflow Data Fabric]
---

# Use the SystemDirectory component

Retrieve the path to the system directory as part of an automation Workflow by using the SystemDirectory component in RPA Desktop Design Studio.

## Before you begin

Role required: none

## About this task

You can configure the properties for the SystemDirectory component. For more information about these properties, see [Properties of the Environment components](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/integrate-applications/util-environment-prop.md).

## Procedure

1.  In the Toolbox pane, navigate to **Utilities** > **Environment**.

2.  Drag the SystemDirectory component to the Design surface.

3.  Connect the data and control ports of the SystemDirectory component to the corresponding ports of the other components as described in the following table.

<table id="table_jnw_jn1_krb"><thead><tr><th>

Port type

</th><th>

Purpose of connection

</th><th>

Mandatory?

</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>

Data Out \(Return\)

</td><td>

Returns the path to the system directory and passes to the next component.

</td><td>

Yes.To preview the data, right-click the **Return** field and click **Preview Data**.

</td></tr><tr><td>

Control In

</td><td>

Connects to the Control Out port of one or more components.

</td><td>

Yes

</td></tr><tr><td>

Control Out

</td><td>

Connects to the Control In port of another component or the default end component.

</td><td>

No. Connecting the port is optional.

</td></tr></tbody>
</table>4.  To test the component, under the **DESIGN** tab, click **Run**.


**Parent Topic:**[Environment](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/integrate-applications/environment-utility.md)